Anthony Pawlak

Anthony Pawlak, 80, died Saturday, March 16, 2013 at home after a brave battle against cancer. He was the beloved husband of Michelle (Galvin) Pawlak to whom he had been married for more than 46 years. Born in Middleboro, where he was a lifelong resident, he was the son of the late Annie (Sowyrda) and Damian Pawlak. He worked at Stiles & Hart Brickyard in Middleboro for more than 40 years as a shipper and receiver until his retirement. His great love was his family and he was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. He also had a special place in his heart for his cats. He was an excellent cook, renowned for his stuffed cabbage and pea soup among other dishes. A Red Sox and Patriots fan, he also loved Westerns and growing vegetables in his backyard garden. A 1950 graduate of Middleboro High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, enlisting on June 26, 1940 and serving until July 3, 1953. He served aboard the USS Block Island in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean during the Korean War. He was a member of the Middleboro Veterans of Foreign War John Glass Post 2188. Survivors, in addition to his widow, include a daughter, Michelle G. Pawlak of Middleboro, and two sons, Anthony W. Pawlak of Middleboro and Matthew J. Pawlak of Lakeville; four grandchildren, Caitlin M. Murphy and Cassidy N. Pawlak of Middleboro and Matthew J. Pawlak and Michael A. Pawlak of Lakeville; a brother Stephen Pawlak of Middleboro; two sisters, Mary Milan of Menlo Park, Cal. and Anne Pawlak of Middleboro; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. He was also the brother of the late Michael, Fred, Elliott, Nicholas and Andrew Pawlak. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 21 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. in the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St Middleboro, followed by a service in the funeral home at 2 p.m. Burial will take place in St. Marys Cemetery, Middleboro.